Differential Pair Link for Balanced Harness Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional wire harness manufacturing is labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly for high-speed applications, due to inconsistent twist rates and potential imbalance in terminal presentation, which affects impedance control and performance in technologies like Ethernet or LVDS, and is further complicated by the need for moisture and debris prevention.

Innovation Solution

Grouping two terminals prior to termination allows for pre-twisted wires to be terminated at equal points, ensuring minimized skew and balanced ends, with a connector system that includes sub-connectors and automated assembly processes to guarantee symmetry and balance, and incorporates seals for protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional single wire termination method is used, then assembly process is simple, but manufacturing precision and consistency of twist rate deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidtwist rate consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling terminal pairs into sub-connectors with precise twist rate control before final connector assembly. This allows the twisting operation to be performed at an optimized stage where consistency can be controlled, rather than after connector insertion where precision is lost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly is segmented into sub-connectors that each contain pre-twisted terminal pairs. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of the twisting process for each sub-connector, improving overall twist rate consistency while maintaining assembly simplicity through modular integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If terminals are terminated individually at connector ends, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but terminal presentation balance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidterminal presentation balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Terminal pairs are pre-assembled into sub-connectors with balanced presentation before final insertion. This preliminary grouping ensures that both terminals in each pair are positioned symmetrically and consistently, eliminating the imbalance that occurs when terminals are terminated individually at the final stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Terminal pairs are merged into unified sub-connector assemblies that maintain balanced presentation. By combining the two terminals of each differential pair into a pre-assembled unit with controlled geometry, the patent ensures consistent terminal presentation while retaining assembly flexibility through modular sub-connector design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If twisting is performed after connector insertion, then assembly process is simplified, but impedance control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly process complexityVSAvoidimpedance control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The twisting operation is performed as a preliminary action during sub-connector assembly rather than after final connector insertion. This timing allows for controlled twist rate that directly impacts impedance characteristics, while the modular sub-connector design keeps the overall assembly process simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly process is segmented into sub-connector fabrication (where twisting and impedance control occur) and final connector assembly. This segmentation isolates the impedance-critical twisting operation to a controlled environment where precision can be maintained, while the final assembly remains simple through modular integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If untwisted length is provided for terminal fitting, then terminal installation is facilitated, but cable balance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal installation easeVSAvoidcable balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Terminals are pre-assembled into sub-connectors with proper twisting and balance before final insertion. This preliminary completion of the terminal pair assembly eliminates the need for untwisted lengths during final installation, as the twisting is already optimized in the sub-connector. Terminal installation remains easy through the modular sub-connector design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal pair and its twisting are merged into a unified sub-connector assembly that maintains cable balance. By combining both terminals and their twisted configuration into a single pre-balanced unit, the patent eliminates the need for compensating untwisted lengths while preserving installation ease through modular replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2875554B1Electrical harness connector system with differential pair connection link
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 MOLEX INC
  • EP2875554B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2875554B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2875554B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrical connector system includes a plug connector and a receptacle connector, each of which include a plurality of terminal receiving cavities for receiving a plurality of terminal lead wires. The electrical connector system further includes a connector link comprising a twisted pair differential cable for providing a data rate high data rate signal transmission transfer with the connector system, in addition to standard power and signal transmission, wherein the connector link is modularly connected within the electrical connector system.